Access to Justice: Does Justice Go to Those Who Can Afford It?

In practice, access to justice often depends on factors such as financial resources, time, and knowledge. Despite existing government support programs, empirical studies continue to show significant barriers, particularly for socially disadvantaged groups.

With this in mind, on June 8, 7:00 p.m. The Forum Recht Foundation is hosting a panel discussion on unequal access to justice and its impact on trust in the rule of law. The discussion will focus on existing barriers, possible reform approaches, and the role of the legal profession in improving access to justice.

Our guests are Paula Edling, co-director of the research project „Access to the Right to Protection from Violence“ at the Berlin Social Science Center and vice president of the German Bar Association, attorney Dr. Fabian Widder.
The event will be hosted by Gottfried Haufe.

The event is organized in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the German Bar Association.

Information on the German Lawyers' Conference

The German Lawyers' Day is the nationwide conference of the legal profession dedicated to professional and legal policy issues. It brings together the legal profession, the judiciary, politicians, academics, and the press annually for an exchange of ideas.
At the German Lawyers' Conference, we will have a booth at the June 11 and 12 represented.

In conjunction with this, the Forum Recht Foundation is organizing several events specifically designed to foster dialogue on the law and the rule of law among the city’s residents. You can attend the Mobile pop-up exhibition „Law—The Rules of Everyday Life“ from May 27 to June 15 visit at Europaplatz or at the Panel Discussion: „Access to Justice: Does Justice Belong to Those Who Can Afford It?“ on June 8, at 7:00 p.m., at the University of Freiburg. As part of the German Lawyers' Day (DAT), an event will be held in cooperation with the German Bar Association on June 11, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., a legal consultation on social law issues at the Freiburg Social Court. In addition, our Director Dr. Cord Brügmann on June 11, 4:00–5:30 p.m., as a guest at the Panel Discussion: „Out of the Legal Bubble, Into Real Life—Law and Democratic Cohesion in Times of Change“ He will share his perspective on social participation and access to justice and the rule of law, drawing on his concrete experiences in the foundation’s work. Look forward to thought-provoking insights and an exchange with other renowned experts.

Service

Admission is free. No advance registration is required.

Location: Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Platz der Universität 3, Kollegiengebäude I, Room 1221, 2nd Floor, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau

For information about accessible entry, please contact the Student Services Center
Get information from the University of Freiburg's representatives for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

Photo (stock photo): Andreas Burkhardt